Life Kidney Transplants

BWillie · 07-29-2015, 08:42 AM

Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me.

I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves.

I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either.

The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney.

What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?

07-29-2015, 08:42 AM	Topic Starter
BWillie Are you ready to Rumble? Join Date: Apr 2006 Casino cash: $-1438759	Kidney Transplants Someone in my family would like a Kidney donation. It's not an immediate family member like parent, brother, grandparent etc but someone I am directly related to. The relative is almost 60. I feel really obligated to do it, but quite frankly it scares the shit out of me. I'm only 31, but I've read there can be complications during the surgery and even after the surgery. Even if the risk is low, there is still a risk. I mean, what if I need that kidney later on in life? I've read that kidney donors can possibly develop complications two years or so after the donation and some have even had to go on dialysis themselves. I used to have a pretty bad energy drink obsession, in fact, I just stopped drinking 2 or 3 a day about a month ago. I had a blood test done and found out that my "uric acid", creatinine level was high. I believe my GFR level was not the best. When I say high, it was just at or above the "outer range". I'm not overweight or fat or anything. I have perfect blood pressure, but I eat red meat and pork about 7 times a week so I have a severely low good cholesterol level and a relatively high bad cholesterol level. I'm sure they can tell me this when I get screened, probably looks like I'm making excuses but I don't want to look like an asshole and I don't want my relative to die either. The relative needing a kidney isn't necessarily going to die right away I don't think, they would eventually have to go on dialysis and they are on a waiting list for a kidney. In my reading on the internet, it does not even appear the kidney has to come from a family member, just someone as a suitable match. I do know they are on a list for a kidney. What does CP know about this? Any life experiences or people in the know?
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